Landscape development and change of use of existing fields for educational use.

Landscape development and change of use of existing fields for educational use.

The Southern Team Leader gave a presentation on the application and updates / additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided; the schedule of committee updates is appended to these minutes.

In accordance with paragraph 5.14.6.3 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor MJ Fishley, the local ward member who had declared a prejudicial interest in respect of the application, addressed the Committee before leaving the Council Chamber for the duration of the item. She commented on a number of issues, including:

• The current car parking provisions were unsafe.
• The outlook from the church would be much improved if the application was approved.
• Sporting facilities at the school would be greatly improved.
• Outdoor activities were important for pupils at the school.
• The proposed application will reduce vehicular movements and will provide a safe drop off point for children.
• The recommended conditions allay any concerns raised by local residents.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Mr Mepham, the Principal of the Steiner Academy, spoke in support of the application.

The Committee noted the presence of a public footpath which ran across the school field. Some concerns were raised in respect of the public being able to access the school playing fields. The Committee noted that a number of school playing fields were being sold off throughout the Country, they felt that the application should be supported in order to promote good health for students. They added that child obesity was on the increase and therefore outside playing areas should be promoted.

Members also noted that there were parking issues at present, they felt that these would be improved if the application was approved. Some concerns were raised in respect of the location of the bus stop as well as the possible extension of the village envelope.

The Head of Planning and Transportation advised Members that approval of the application would not impact on the village envelope as set out in the UDP. It would however be assessed as part of the LDF process. He added that the application should be determined on its merits with all material planning issues taken into consideration.

The Southern Team Leader advised Members that condition 16 of the recommendation removed permitted development rights in order to restrict any future development on the site.

In Summing up Members felt that the applicants should be proud of the school. They felt that the application should be supported and the applicants were congratulated for the successful school they had established in the village of Much Dewchurch.

RESOLVED

1          A01 Time limit for commencement (full permission)

2          B01 Development in accordance with the approved plans

3          F01 Restriction on hours of working

4          G01 Earthworks

5          G02 Retention of trees and hedgerows

6          G04 Protection of trees/hedgerows that are to be retained

7          G10 Landscaping scheme

8          G11 Landscaping scheme - implementation

9          G14 Landscape management plan

10        G15 Landscape maintenance arrangements

11        H15 Turning and parking: change of use - commercial

12        I32 Details of floodlighting/external lighting

13        The foul drainage system (EHSA 004,005 and 008) proposed shall be installed prior to the first use of the extended school grounds or as otherwise agreed in writing with the local planning authority.

Reason: In order to ensure that that satisfactory drainage arrangements are provided and to comply with Policy DR4 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

14        H30 Travel plans

15        Details for the footpath link off Dewchurch Meadow, including any provision for works to the highway shall be the subject of the prior written approval of the local planning authority before the new footpath crossing Dewchurch Meadow is first brought into use. The details as approved shall be implemented prior to the first use of the extended school grounds or as otherwise agreed in writing with the local planning authority.

Reason: In the interests of highway safety and to conform with the requirements of Policy DR3 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

16        Notwithstanding the provisions of article 3(1) and Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, (or any order revoking or re-enacting that Order with or without modification), no development which would otherwise be permitted under Classes A and B of Part 32 of Schedule 2, shall be carried out.

Reason: In order to protect the character and amenity of the locality and to comply with Policies LA2, LA3, DR1 and CF5 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

INFORMATIVES:

1          N11A Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) - Birds

2          N11C General